Spain's Fourth Heat Wave: AEMET Alerts Extreme Temperatures Amid Fire Crisis 2026

Spain's fourth heat wave of the summer is set to begin on Wednesday, July 29, according to a special warning issued by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). The alert comes as the country grapples with a severe fire crisis, with extreme temperatures expected to persist at least until Sunday, August 2.

AEMET activated the special warning after meteorological models confirmed the impending heat wave. The agency predicts a considerable rise in temperatures, particularly in the eastern third of the Iberian Peninsula, with little relief in sight.

When Does the Fourth Heat Wave Start?

The special warning pinpoints Wednesday, July 29, as the official start of this new episode. Although the anticyclonic situation has already begun to push thermometers upward, it will be on Wednesday when temperatures take an extraordinary leap, especially in the eastern third of the Peninsula.

This won't be a fleeting event. The official forecast indicates that extreme heat will remain with us at least until Sunday, August 2, and some voices suggest that high temperatures will persist for much of the following week.

The Heat Map: Where Temperatures Will Soar

On Wednesday, the mercury will reach 39-41°C in the main valleys of the southwest, such as the Guadalquivir, Guadiana, and Tagus. In addition, it will break the 40-42°C barrier in the Ebro Valley and the depressions of the northeast.

In the Canary Islands, the descent of the humid layer will leave temperatures above 37°C and strong winds, further complicating the situation.

Why This Heat Wave Matters

This fourth heat wave arrives at a critical moment. Spain is already facing a severe fire crisis, and the extreme temperatures will only exacerbate the risk. Dry conditions and high winds, particularly in the Canary Islands, create a dangerous combination that can lead to rapid fire spread.

The persistence of high temperatures over several days also poses significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Who Is Affected?

The entire country will feel the effects, but some regions will be hit harder than others. The eastern third of the Peninsula, the Ebro Valley, and the Canary Islands are expected to experience the most extreme conditions. The longer history behind the story is traced in Spain Heatwave Alert: AEMET Warns of Intense Heat Return.

Residents in these areas should take precautions, stay hydrated, and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Authorities are likely to issue further advisories as the situation develops. The background to this story is set out in Amber Heat-Health Alerts Issued for Most of England as. A related thread runs through Seoul Severe Heatwave Warning: South Korea Heat Deaths Rise. Earlier coverage in Spain's AEMET Forecast: No Autumn in Sight as Heat Persists shows how the argument developed.

What to Watch Next

Keep an eye on AEMET's updates, as the duration and intensity of the heat wave could change. The agency may extend the warning if temperatures remain high beyond Sunday. A closer look at the same subject appears in Spain Weather Shift: Nine Days of Rain and Hail After Summer Heat. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Spain Weather Shift: Temperatures Drop Up to 10°C and Rain Hits the North. The same theme surfaces in Spain Faces Worst-Case Heat Wave Scenario as Climate Hotspot, which takes a different angle.

Additionally, the fire situation is fluid. With temperatures soaring and winds picking up, new fires could ignite and existing ones could spread. Stay informed through local news and official channels. Context on how this played out before sits in Spain Weather Shift: From Iberian Oven to Hailstorms and Back. A companion piece, Heat Wave Forces La Rioja Farmers to Start Work at 5 AM, approaches the same subject from another angle.

Key Takeaways

• The fourth heat wave of the summer starts on July 29, according to AEMET.
• Temperatures will exceed 40°C in the Ebro Valley and northeastern depressions.
• The heat wave is expected to last until at least August 2.
• The extreme heat exacerbates the ongoing fire crisis, especially in the Canary Islands.
• Vulnerable populations should take extra precautions.

Comparison of Expected Temperatures by Region

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